Distributed vs Centralized Data Center

Most organizations build centralized and huge data centers to serve their needs. Take for instance, the facilities built by companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Google. All of them have come up near sources of cheapest possible power and other locational advantages. Big data centers certainly have few clear advantages.Having a few centralized facilities means economies of scale in purchases and operational expenditures. It also means simpler tax calculations and a better ability to support local economy with jobs and support businesses. Companies also will opt for going green if it makes sense, cost- wise. On the other side, a large data center can have a huge impact on the water sources and prove to be a single point of failure.

Going against the established norm of big data centers are companies like AOL which has come up with a MDC or micro data center. The company can work with minimum power and establish operations very quickly almost anywhere. Being able to access the network’s edge is possible. But there are also the issues of management and distributed renewable power.

Rakesh is a member of writing team at Data Center Journal. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and CoC in Marine Engineering from Maritime and CoastGuard Agency, UK. His Post Graduation in Computing is from Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumbria Universities, UK. Has years of experience in sailing as Marine Engineer in deep ocean going vessels. Currently owns and operates an outsourcing consultancy as well.